Spondylolisthesis is a spine condition where a vertebra slips from the vertebra below. There are varying degrees of slippage, labeled grades 1 through 5. A complete slip is called Spondyloptosis. I was diagnosed with Spondyloptosis at the age of 14, and following several surgeries and procedures, my spine is now fused at a grade 5. This blog is a commentary on my personal experiences with this severe and painful spine condition.

Sharing My Journey with Spondylolisthesis

Welcome! While I am not a doctor, healthcare provider, nor a specialist of the spine, I am most certainly one very experienced patient! I write about my various chronic health conditions and medical adventures, or rather, my struggles, so that I may share my gained knowledge and personal experiences with all of those whom seek help, support, information, resources, along with facts and opinions, in regard to the spine condition Spondylolisthesis. At the time I was diagnosed, the internet was in its infancy, which made it a challenge to find additional information on the condition, let alone connect with those who had already taken the long journey of which I was just beginning. My hope has been, and continues to be, that through the power of the internet, and sites like Blogspot, that I may be able to reach others facing similar circumstance. By sharing my story, knowledge, research and continual experiences, I hope to offer a little guidance, and bring some comfort and empowerment where I had none. This condition, especially when severe, can certainly turn one's life upside down, and I know first hand that proceeding blindly into such a situation can be very overwhelming, painful and scary. If you have any questions or comments, and would like to contact my directly, please check out my Blogger Profile or email healthandillness@gmail.com. You may also contact me by way of my profile here and/or submit a comment at the end of each post.

What are the best exercises for those with Spondylolisthesis? Before I share I would like to say once again that I am not a doctor nor a hea...

Best Exercises & Treatments for Spondylolisthesis

I would like to start this page by sharing what I've found to be the best exercises & workouts for those with Spondylolisthesis. Later I will share more about other treatments, my surgeries, as well as new treatments & surgeries for Spondylolisthesis slips.

Before I share I would like to say once again that I am not a doctor nor a healthcare professional. The suggestions below are based solely on my own experiences, opinions & research. I believe it's important to stay as active as possible when you have a condition like Spondylolisthesis, or any other chronic health condition, although it's often easier said than done and one must exercise caution and truly listen to their bodies, as not to push yourself too hard physically. Just like with so many other things in life, balance is the key. Most of those who have Spondylolisthesis - whatever the grade - know that many traditional activities, sports and workouts are not always feasible. Therefore, finding an exercise that truly works without making your back and body feel less than wonderful, or worse yet, increasing the degree of the slip can be a challenge.

This year marks the twentieth anniversary of my Spondylolisthesis slip and pain. Throughout the years I have tried a number of workouts, some good, some not so much. I was much harder on my body when I was younger. Even pushing myself to do 3 hours a day, 6 days a week, in my teens and early twenties following my surgeries. At that point in time, I felt pretty decent physically. And, as a result of the surgeries and full body traction, my pain had been lessened dramatically. It wasn't until 2006 or so, when I began to experience increasing pain levels and new nerve related issues in my legs. Ultimately, what was going on (besides the fact I have a Spondylolisthesis grade 5 slip which is fused at the L5 S1, nerve damage & pain in my legs & feet, of course!), was new deterioration, degeneration and early onset OsteoArthritis above my fusion region. This is something which was expected, but not so soon after such surgeries. As a result, I had to cut back big time when it came to my workouts.

Because of my nerve deficit's - and my body's way of compensating to walk & function in general - I am not able to go for walks or runs outside in order to get a good workout. I often fall down, whether it be on a flat surface, downstairs and I've even been known to fall up the stairs. Those type of activities and contact sports only increase my pain and throw off my bodies alignment. So, one machine which has been wonderful in allowing me to get in my cardio without hurting my back, legs, hips, knees or feet, is the Elliptical machine. I highly recommend this piece of equipment to anyone with joint problems or a spine condition.

Building core and back strength is also extremely important when it comes to this condition. I have found Pilates to be an excellent form of strengthening, stretching and even a decent cardio workout. Just like Yoga, you can really tailor this activity around your abilities and opt out of those exercises which cause pain. A bonus for this type of workout is that it helps to naturally realign one's body and spine.

Another terrific form of cardio - which is easy on the body & back - is swimming. While I love swimming, I do have great hesitancy towards doing so, especially in public, as I have foot drop, and therefore, trouble walking without shoes. And, walking with bare feet on a wet slippery surface, is a disaster waiting to happen! While I'm on the subject of taking a dip in the pool, I would like to mention something which was shared with me by my surgeon many years ago. For those with Spondylolisthesis, whom have not had any surgery, specifically fusion, working in a pool with light leg weights over an extended period of time can help to lessen the degree of slip by slowly stretching the spine. I was told of one patient who had a grade 5 and worked in the pool for two years before having a fusion surgery to stabilize the condition. She had her Spondylolisthesis fused at a grade 1 following those 2 years of dedication. Amazing!

Finally, I recently started the newer exercise program designed by the trainer Tracy Anderson, called "The 30 Day Method" and the "Tracy Anderson Method." Like with Pilates and Yoga, there are some exercises which are not conducive to this spine condition, but they can be avoided. Most of the work is done on the ground and it really helps to strengthen your accessory muscles, and in addition, surprisingly gives you a challenging cardio workout as well.

Lastly, as for natural treatments for Spondylolisthesis, I have posted about one practice in-particular which i have found tremendous relief from, both pre and post surgical. Please see my page entitled "Soma Massage & Reiki Energy Work."

Please feel free to comment ...

About Me

My interest for all things related to health & illness arises from my own struggles with chronic health conditions. I have found it most therapeutic & empowering to write about my many experiences within this realm. Through education, my own research, and my ongoing personal challenges, I am teaching myself how to become my own best advocate. To learn more about me, please see the page entitled "About Cat" located at the top of the page. If you have any questions or comments, you are welcome to contact me through the "about" section listed above, or email me at healthandillness@gmail.com. Please note that this address is also linked through my profiles. Blessings of health, energy and peace.

Spondylolisthesis Stories ...

"Spondylolisthesis Stories" is a blog-site I created to share individual's stories about Spondylolisthesis. If you're trying to better understand the condition itself, and how it affects people - from the pain, diagnosis, to treatments - please take a moment to view this site and various individual's experiences with Spondylolisthesis. If you, yourself, have Spondylolisthesis, and would like to share your story on the site; allow your voice to be heard by contacting me at Spondyostories@gmail.com!

Website Links ...

Please take a moment to check out the various related links below. I have included links to other blog sites I have created (both health related and otherwise). Also, I have listed sites which are relevant to the content found on this page, many of which provide excellent resources for all things involving health, chronic illness, and disability. If you have any questions or would like to make some suggestions, please feel free to contact me anytime.